CAR CRASH STUFF AS COLERAINE LET IT SLIP

Glentoran 2 Coleraine 2

JOSH CARSON’S bizarre own goal gifted Glentoran a point in last night’s big showdown at the Oval.

Oran Kearney’s Coleraine looked to be on course for three vital points which would have inched them closer to tabletopping Linfield, when Carson committed a howler with 13 minutes left.

Matthew Shevlin netted twice for the Bannsiders after Jay Donnelly had shot Mick Mcdermott’s team into an early lead.

“We knew it would be tough,” said Mcdermott. “But the boys stood up to the challenge. They were professional, hungry and had the desire to get over the line. We missed a lot of chances in the first half.

“Back-to-back games are never easy, and it was important we got the three points, but we must show the same commitment and passion on Friday night.”

The Glens took the on six minutes. Luke Mccullough’s wonderful 60-yard pass was headed on by Robbie Mcdaid. Donnelly took the ball down brilliantly before smashing a low drive past Marty Gallagher from the edge of the box.

The Bannsiders were level on 28 minutes when Jamie Glackin floated in a free-kick from the left that was completed missed by Glens keeper Rory Brown, and Shevlin headed in.

Shevlin struck again with 20 minutes remaining. Glentoran’s defence switched off after Glackin and Seanan Clucas clashed in midfield, but referee Raymond Crangle waved play on.

When the ball reached Shevlin on the edge of the box, he held off a challenge from Marshall before smashing a low shot past Brown.

Glentoran were level with 13 minutes remaining – and what a freak goal it was.

Stephen Lowry carelessly lost possession and Carson charged into a tackle on Hrvoje Plum, but his 35-yard attempted clearance flew over the goalkeeper for the most bizarre of own goals.

Elsewhere, Adam Salley scored the only goal of the game as Portadown defeated Dungannon Swifts 1-0 at Shamrock Park.

And last night’s other game between

OPENER Jay Donnelly celebrates his goal last night